Travel problems across Sussex as Storm Katie hits the county

Strong gusting winds this morning (Bank Holiday Monday) have caused problems for people hoping to travel across Sussex.

A weather warning for wind from the Met Office was upgraded last night from Yellow to Amber.

Gale force winds of between 60mph and 70mph have been hitting Sussex since the early hours this morning and are likely to remain until noon.

According to National Rail, trees haven fallen on the line in multiple locations on the Southern Network.

The following lines are disrupted: Three Bridges and Horsham, South Croydon and Oxted, Purley and Caterham, Chichester and Havant.

On the roads, a fallen tree has blocked the A29 at Coldwaltham in both directions between the Brook Lane junction and the B2138 Bury Road junction,

A tree has also blocked the A272 Lewes Road in Scaynes Hill in both directions between Bedales Corner and the Clearwater Lane junction.

And another fallen tree has shut the A273 at Clayton Hill in Clayton, both directions between the B2112 New Road junction and the School Lane junction.

A message on the Gatwick Airport websites says that: “Due to adverse weather, we are experiencing some disruption to flights and on roads around Gatwick. Please check with your airline for the latest information and leave extra time to travel to the airport.”

Sussex Police last night posted a warning on their websites, saying: “Very strong southerly winds will affect the county from the early hours of Monday, eventually veering westerly before clearing by late morning. Gusts of up 60 to 70mph are likely at times, particularly along the coast, but these may be felt inland too at certain times during the early morning.”